Last visit was: 20 Nov 2025, 02:13 It is currently 20 Nov 2025, 02:13
Home
GMAT
Messages
Tests
Schools
Events
Rewards
Chat
My Profile
Close
GMAT Club Daily Prep
Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Go to My Error Log Learn more
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel
User avatar
Narenn
User avatar
Major Poster
Joined: 22 Feb 2012
Last visit: 20 Nov 2025
Posts: 9,170
Own Kudos:
11,074
Given Kudos: 4,651
Affiliations: GMAT Club
Test: Test
Products:
GMAT Club Tests
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 9,170
Kudos: 11,074
Ask Vikram Shah Consulting 21 Jun 2022, 08:36
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Please wait for a few seconds :-)
User avatar
Faith09
User avatar
Joined: 08 Aug 2021
Last visit: 11 Nov 2023
Posts: 49
Own Kudos:
11
Given Kudos: 102
Location: India
Schools: ISB '24 IIMA PGPX'23 INSEAD Jan'23 intake IMD Jan'23 intake HEC Jan'22 Intake
GPA: 4
Schools: ISB '24 IIMA PGPX'23 INSEAD Jan'23 intake IMD Jan'23 intake HEC Jan'22 Intake
Posts: 49
Kudos: 11
Ask Vikram Shah Consulting 21 Jun 2022, 08:36
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
34 years, female, 8 years of experience- Pwc , ngo , business and then fmcg start up. Want to get into consulting post mba. Aiming for one year program. How realistic is insead and isb given a decent target score. Will age and extremely diversified background with zero consulting experience be a detriment for mba selection and job opportunities?

Also what other bschools should I look at?
avatar
Dwiti88
avatar
Joined: 18 Feb 2021
Last visit: 09 Aug 2022
Posts: 32
Own Kudos:
69
Given Kudos: 13
Posts: 32
Kudos: 69
Ask Vikram Shah Consulting 21 Jun 2022, 08:36
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hi,I got 650 in my first gmat.female candidate.I have 10 years of US IT experience. Will this score be enough to apply for IIMs.Age 33
User avatar
GMAT1221
User avatar
Joined: 27 Jun 2021
Last visit: 16 Dec 2022
Posts: 25
Given Kudos: 8
Posts: 25
Kudos: 0
Ask Vikram Shah Consulting 21 Jun 2022, 08:36
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
How do you make our list of b-school without having the GMAT score? Because as I’m still in the practise stage so not sure about the score.
User avatar
ConsultVikramShah
User avatar
Vikram Shah Consulting
Joined: 28 May 2020
Last visit: 20 Aug 2022
Posts: 30
Own Kudos:
10
Given Kudos: 1
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 30
Kudos: 10
Ask Vikram Shah Consulting 21 Jun 2022, 08:36
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
SangamJena
Exp by time of applying 8yrs. Age is 29 years would the age offset the higher work ex? Gmat is in 650 range trying to move it up, i work dorectky with international clients in consulting/bd
Show more
Hi,
I think schools will look at both the length and quality of experience that you bring to the table. Yet, GMAT is an important component and sometimes quality of experience can partly make up for a slightly less competitive GMAT score
User avatar
Narenn
User avatar
Major Poster
Joined: 22 Feb 2012
Last visit: 20 Nov 2025
Posts: 9,170
Own Kudos:
11,074
Given Kudos: 4,651
Affiliations: GMAT Club
Test: Test
Products:
GMAT Club Tests
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 9,170
Kudos: 11,074
Ask Vikram Shah Consulting 21 Jun 2022, 08:37
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Reach out to Vikram at https://vikramshahconsulting.com/
User avatar
ConsultVikramShah
User avatar
Vikram Shah Consulting
Joined: 28 May 2020
Last visit: 20 Aug 2022
Posts: 30
Own Kudos:
10
Given Kudos: 1
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 30
Kudos: 10
Ask Vikram Shah Consulting Updated on: 21 Jun 2022, 08:43
Originally posted by ConsultVikramShah on 21 Jun 2022, 08:38.
Last edited by ConsultVikramShah on 21 Jun 2022, 08:43, edited 4 times in total.
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
abhi0888
I am quite old at this point (35 year). But I have a PhD in engineering and have been at a start up which was acquired directly due to my work. My GMAT is 720. I am Looking for a career in M&A mainly in manufacturing. What types of schools should I look into and be hopeful to get in? I am from Kashmir, India.
Show more
Given your age, I think you should seriously consider 1 year programs such as Kellogg, Cornell, USC Marshall. You could even take a shot at MIT Sloan Leaders Program. However, if you are concerned about recruitment since you will have to network to find yourself the ideal job, you could also consider a couple of 2 year programs.

Abhishekgmat87
I have 11 years experience in govt general insurance company . I have done btech with 62 %. I am heading my branch for last 4 years. I expect to score 700 on gmat. What’s my chances for IIM A,B,C Or L
Show more
I think for IIM A, you may need to score better on the GMAT. One of the others should work.
However, instead of speculating, I would say, get the score and then let’s see which schools you could target.

Kdivyank9
Hey, I come from a family business background who do you think will be the best person to recommend me?
Show more
I think you need to give me some more context. If you have board members, then great. Else a client could also be someone you could consider for a recommendation. Definitely not a family member.

Faith09
34 years, female, 8 years of experience- Pwc , ngo , business and then fmcg start up. Want to get into consulting post mba. Aiming for one year program. How realistic is insead and isb given a decent target score. Will age and extremely diversified background with zero consulting experience be a detriment for mba selection and job opportunities?
Show more
INSEAD and ISB are both attainable. I think you need to sell the diversity you bring. So that answers the admissions part. Regarding post-MBA job opportunities, you would need to really practice consulting case interviews to improve your chances of converting given that you will be competing with experienced consultants. But not a deterrent. Play to your strengths. Wish you the best!

Dwiti88
Hi,I got 650 in my first gmat.female candidate.I have 10 years of US IT experience. Will this score be enough to apply for IIMs.Age 33
Show more
I would encourage you to improve your GMAT score if you can.
avatar
hsharma3
avatar
Joined: 11 Jul 2021
Last visit: 18 Jun 2023
Posts: 2
Location: Canada
Posts: 2
Kudos: 0
Ask Vikram Shah Consulting 21 Jun 2022, 08:45
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hello Vikram, I am based in Canada (citizen) and on higher side of work-exp (~15 years in IT/Software, non managerial, age 42 yrs); recently moved to new employer as a Product Manager. I took GMAT in Feb 2022 scoring 500. Wish to do FT-MBA fully immersive on campus, 1~1.5 years max in duration with January 2023 intake. IE Spain, HEC Paris, SDA Italy, UK Oxford Saiid, Cambridge Judge and US based schools offering 1 year programs (Cornell, NYU) are some schools I have shortlisted. What strategy would work best in my favor and other schools can I consider which are world renowned?
User avatar
kron0s
User avatar
Joined: 29 Nov 2019
Last visit: 27 Apr 2024
Posts: 58
Own Kudos:
33
Given Kudos: 45
Location: India
Concentration: Technology, Healthcare
Schools: Ross '25 (WL) Tepper '25 (WL) Fuqua '25 (D) Kenan-Flagler '25 (D)
GMAT 1: 710 Q49 V38
GMAT 2: 740 Q50 V41
WE:Information Technology (Computer Software)
Schools: Ross '25 (WL) Tepper '25 (WL) Fuqua '25 (D) Kenan-Flagler '25 (D)
GMAT 2: 740 Q50 V41
Posts: 58
Kudos: 33
Ask Vikram Shah Consulting 21 Jun 2022, 08:45
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
You’ve touched on considering the non-refundable deposits that B-schools require while selecting the schools to apply to. Could you expand on that? What’s the best strategy for international students to whom the thousands of dollars are a huge amount
User avatar
ConsultVikramShah
User avatar
Vikram Shah Consulting
Joined: 28 May 2020
Last visit: 20 Aug 2022
Posts: 30
Own Kudos:
10
Given Kudos: 1
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 30
Kudos: 10
Ask Vikram Shah Consulting Updated on: 21 Jun 2022, 08:46
Originally posted by ConsultVikramShah on 21 Jun 2022, 08:45.
Last edited by ConsultVikramShah on 21 Jun 2022, 08:46, edited 1 time in total.
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Kdivyank9
How do you make our list of b-school without having the GMAT score? Because as I’m still in the practise stage so not sure about the score.
Show more
Very difficult, especially if you are not sure if you are going to land up with a 600 or 750. Either you can take a mock, figure out what you are likely to score and then select schools accordingly, or be more prudent, get your score and then identify your schools.

Kdivyank9
How do you make our list of b-school without having the GMAT score? Because as I’m still in the practise stage so not sure about the score.
Show more
That said, if you know that you are likely to score within a particular range, then you should be able to draw up an initial list.
User avatar
nightblade354
User avatar
Current Student
Joined: 31 Jul 2017
Last visit: 19 Nov 2025
Posts: 1,781
Own Kudos:
6,823
Given Kudos: 3,304
Status:He came. He saw. He conquered. -- Going to Business School -- Corruptus in Extremis
Location: United States (MA)
Concentration: Finance, Economics
Schools: Darden '25 (M)
Expert
Expert reply
Schools: Darden '25 (M)
Posts: 1,781
Kudos: 6,823
Ask Vikram Shah Consulting 21 Jun 2022, 08:48
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Wow, good crowd here today
User avatar
ConsultVikramShah
User avatar
Vikram Shah Consulting
Joined: 28 May 2020
Last visit: 20 Aug 2022
Posts: 30
Own Kudos:
10
Given Kudos: 1
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 30
Kudos: 10
Ask Vikram Shah Consulting Updated on: 21 Jun 2022, 08:57
Originally posted by ConsultVikramShah on 21 Jun 2022, 08:50.
Last edited by ConsultVikramShah on 21 Jun 2022, 08:57, edited 3 times in total.
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
hsharma3
Hello Vikram, I am based in Canada (citizen) and on higher side of work-exp (~15 years in IT/Software, non managerial, age 42 yrs); recently moved to new employer as a Product Manager. I took GMAT in Feb 2022 scoring 500. Wish to do FT-MBA fully immersive on campus, 1~1.5 years max in duration with January 2023 intake. IE Spain, HEC Paris, SDA Italy, UK Oxford Saiid, Cambridge Judge and US based schools offering 1 year programs (Cornell, NYU) are some schools I have shortlisted. What strategy would work best in my favor and other schools can I consider which are world renowned?
Show more
You could also look at schools such as Manchester Business School, Warwick, Cranfield in the UK, IESE and ESADE in Spain. I’m assuming you want more international experience hence you aren’t looking for schools in Canada. I would ask you to try and improve your GMAT score but look at schools which have older candidates. HEC Paris may not. Share your resume with some of these schools before applying, have an informal conversation with them, discuss your GMAT score as well and read between the lines.
You should get some indication on which schools are encouraging you to apply.

kron0s
You’ve touched on considering the non-refundable deposits that B-schools require while selecting the schools to apply to. Could you expand on that? What’s the best strategy for international students to whom the thousands of dollars are a huge amount
Show more
Rank your schools in order of preference. Make sure you are getting decisions from your preferred schools earlier. See the decision dates, the deposit deadlines and the deposit amounts as well before you apply. Plan accordingly. Try to get all your decisions in the same round.

NawalDwivedi
Hi Vikram !! I am an Indian, Male Civil Engineer working in the government sector and have an experience of more than 6 years in design, execution and project management of rural infrastructure projects. I want to pivot myself into infrastructure advisory consulting role post- MBA. At a 670 GMAT score can you suggest some good in the US for full time MBA program. I’d mention that I have a good academic record and have got a gold and a silver medal in my undergrad and post grad.
Show more
I would encourage you to try and up your score to at least a 700 because sometimes even recruiters look at GMAT scores and 700 tends to be the minimum required score. Secondly, I would ask you to draw up a list of recruiters and see where they are located and try and find schools around those areas. I would rather work this way than start recommending schools straight away.

Karanbb1
Sorry for the previous messages. I have 3 years of work ex as of today working as a product analyst for BillDesk(Fintech company). I am an engineer with a degree from Mumbai University with a cgpa of 7.22. I have played tennis at a national level for over a decade. I also have a background in music and a few other sports. My gmat score is 710. A few colleges have told me that i might not be a good fit as they dont have a good sporting heritage.
Show more
It depends on what you are selling. You don’t have to sell sports, you could sell your fintech background. There are 2 things you need to consider: 1) what do you really want to do post MBA and that will help you decide what schools to select and 2) what story should you then sell to that school.
avatar
hsharma3
avatar
Joined: 11 Jul 2021
Last visit: 18 Jun 2023
Posts: 2
Location: Canada
Posts: 2
Kudos: 0
Ask Vikram Shah Consulting 21 Jun 2022, 08:58
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Thanks Vikram, I have international exp 10 years in Canada and 1.5 years in Australia
User avatar
ConsultVikramShah
User avatar
Vikram Shah Consulting
Joined: 28 May 2020
Last visit: 20 Aug 2022
Posts: 30
Own Kudos:
10
Given Kudos: 1
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 30
Kudos: 10
Ask Vikram Shah Consulting Updated on: 21 Jun 2022, 09:06
Originally posted by ConsultVikramShah on 21 Jun 2022, 08:59.
Last edited by ConsultVikramShah on 21 Jun 2022, 09:06, edited 2 times in total.
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
kron0s
Hi Vikram,
Do applicants with 4-5 years of experience and no OFFICIAL managerial experience fare well in admissions and later on during their MBA? Should this be considered as a serious hurdle?
Show more
There are also lots of applicants who find themselves in industries or roles where there isn’t a real opportunity to officially manage people. So that should not be a deterrent. Schools look for leadership. Leadership can be displayed in many ways. From taking initiative at work, to challenging convention. So look for ways you have displayed leadership and leadership potential and try to sell that. With regards to how that will affect your career graph... can’t really comment because it depends on what industry/role you are targetting.

RV12345
I have 2 years of full time work experience at a small firm in India. How do I put this on my application so as to receive an admit since it is not a globally known firm. Also, what other aspects of my profile can I improve to compensate for a lesser work experience?
Show more
What is your GMAT score? How has your academic performance been? What have you done at work which can be considered a big deal? Find other strengths in your candidacy. Sell your strengths. I cannot comment more on what you should improve because I have no information on the quality of your experience, extra-curriculars, test scores or academics.
That said, younger candidates, even those working with smaller firms and lesser known recruiters to get in to competitive schools.

AsifMA
Hi Vikram. I have. 12+ years of experience in commercial banking and I’m 35 years of age. I am based in GCC and want to consider 2 years MBA full time in the US so that I can get a good shot at recruitment in the US. Are there any schools that accept older applicants like myself in Full time programs?
Show more
Yes, there are. Sorry, what is GCC? But if you network on 1 year programs, you should still be able to find suitable opportunities. The problem older candidates on traditional 2 year MBA programs face is that most recruiters are recruiting for a different (younger) profile of people. Hence on the 2 year MBA you would still have to network a lot to find suitable opportunities.
avatar
abhi0888
avatar
Joined: 15 Feb 2022
Last visit: 01 Dec 2022
Posts: 6
Own Kudos:
1
Given Kudos: 206
Location: United States (TX)
Concentration: International Business, Technology
GMAT 1: 720 Q48 V40
GPA: 2.99
WE:Research (Manufacturing)
GMAT 1: 720 Q48 V40
Posts: 6
Kudos: 1
Ask Vikram Shah Consulting 21 Jun 2022, 09:08
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
I am quite old at this point (35 year). But I have a PhD in engineering and have been at a start up which was acquired directly due to my work. My GMAT is 720. I am Looking for a career in M&A mainly in manufacturing. What types of schools should I look into and be hopeful to get in? I am from Kashmir, India.
User avatar
ConsultVikramShah
User avatar
Vikram Shah Consulting
Joined: 28 May 2020
Last visit: 20 Aug 2022
Posts: 30
Own Kudos:
10
Given Kudos: 1
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 30
Kudos: 10
Ask Vikram Shah Consulting Updated on: 21 Jun 2022, 09:11
Originally posted by ConsultVikramShah on 21 Jun 2022, 09:10.
Last edited by ConsultVikramShah on 21 Jun 2022, 09:11, edited 1 time in total.
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
SangamJena
ConsultVikramShah
Hi,
I think schools will look at both the length and quality of experience that you bring to the table. Yet, GMAT is an important component and sometimes quality of experience can partly make up for a slightly less competitive GMAT score
So I want to know which programs to target do I stand a chance with 2 year programs, or I shall look at 1year one, considering I want to get into consulting and US programs are the best for it.
Show more
At your age, yes, you stand a chance with 2 year programs. However, I recommend you apply to a mix of 1 year and 2 year programs. Consider USC Marshall, Emory for the 1 year (though both have great 2 year programs as well).

Abhishekgmat87
Whether higher age and experience is detrimental for admission in IIMs. I will be 36 by next year and 11.5 year experience
Show more
No. Not detrimental. Some of the IIMs prefer older candidates. You’ll be fine. Apply.
User avatar
Faith09
User avatar
Joined: 08 Aug 2021
Last visit: 11 Nov 2023
Posts: 49
Own Kudos:
11
Given Kudos: 102
Location: India
Schools: ISB '24 IIMA PGPX'23 INSEAD Jan'23 intake IMD Jan'23 intake HEC Jan'22 Intake
GPA: 4
Schools: ISB '24 IIMA PGPX'23 INSEAD Jan'23 intake IMD Jan'23 intake HEC Jan'22 Intake
Posts: 49
Kudos: 11
Ask Vikram Shah Consulting 21 Jun 2022, 09:13
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
ConsultVikramShah
INSEAD and ISB are both attainable. I think you need to sell the diversity you bring. So that answers the admissions part. Regarding post-MBA job opportunities, you would need to really practice consulting case interviews to improve your chances of converting given that you will be competing with experienced consultants. But not a deterrent. Play to your strengths. Wish you the best!
Show more
thanks for that. Also, which other bschools with one year program should I look at given my profile?
User avatar
kron0s
User avatar
Joined: 29 Nov 2019
Last visit: 27 Apr 2024
Posts: 58
Own Kudos:
33
Given Kudos: 45
Location: India
Concentration: Technology, Healthcare
Schools: Ross '25 (WL) Tepper '25 (WL) Fuqua '25 (D) Kenan-Flagler '25 (D)
GMAT 1: 710 Q49 V38
GMAT 2: 740 Q50 V41
WE:Information Technology (Computer Software)
Schools: Ross '25 (WL) Tepper '25 (WL) Fuqua '25 (D) Kenan-Flagler '25 (D)
GMAT 2: 740 Q50 V41
Posts: 58
Kudos: 33
Ask Vikram Shah Consulting 21 Jun 2022, 09:13
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
ConsultVikramShah
There are also lots of applicants who find themselves in industries or roles where there isn’t a real opportunity to officially manage people. So that should not be a deterrent. Schools look for leadership. Leadership can be displayed in many ways. From taking initiative at work, to challenging convention. So look for ways you have displayed leadership and leadership potential and try to sell that. With regards to how that will affect your career graph... can’t really comment because it depends on what industry/role you are targetting.
Show more

Thank you. I work in IT and am targeting PM roles in Tech. Currently have a 710 but am looking to improve on it to offset my poor Undergrad(6.9/10 from a top NIT/IIT)
User avatar
ConsultVikramShah
User avatar
Vikram Shah Consulting
Joined: 28 May 2020
Last visit: 20 Aug 2022
Posts: 30
Own Kudos:
10
Given Kudos: 1
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 30
Kudos: 10
Ask Vikram Shah Consulting 21 Jun 2022, 09:15
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
kron0s

Thank you. I work in IT and am targeting PM roles in Tech. Currently have a 710 but am looking to improve on it to offset my poor Undergrad(6.9/10 from a top NIT/IIT)
Show more
I think you will have to apply to a couple of safe schools because undergrad academics hold a lot of weightage and a good undergrad record is a given at some schools. Consider this when you are drawing up your list of schools. A strong GMAT score cannot always compensate but it will indicate your academic potential.
avatar
Jaredkansa
avatar
Joined: 24 May 2022
Last visit: 02 Nov 2022
Posts: 2
Given Kudos: 1
Location: India
Posts: 2
Kudos: 0
Ask Vikram Shah Consulting 21 Jun 2022, 09:15
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hi vikram, Indian male, with an exp of almost 3 years now in consulting (half in a boutique firm and now in M&A with PWC US), I just wanted to ask will the split in experience with different organizations I have worked in prove a hindrance? And Also that when I apply I would not be holding any managerial roles as such, how important is it to have managerial experience with even less than 4 years of work ex, cause that’s when I would be applying, thanks in advance!
   1   2   3   4   5   6